In 1996, Chris’ life changed when he was struck by encephalitis. The infection almost ended his life, but what this book does is show the reader how, although changed, he has learned to live with the challenges that still affect him today, and flourish.

Not only was Chris’ life turned upside down, but so were the lives of his wife, sons, family, friends and co-workers. This story is about the “new Chris” that emerged from his illness and how everyone in his life was affected.

While this personal story is about the results of encephalitis, the challenges and triumphs can be equated to anyone’s life.

Whether it is illness, loss, or other speed bumps we have to overcome, “Underwater” shares a journey that we can all celebrate and emulate as life’s challenges get in our way.

“Underwater: When Encephalitis, Brain Injury and Epilepsy Change Everything” is a great read, I am happy to recommend to anyone!

Other books written by Chris Maxwell include, “Beggars Can Be Chosen,” “Unwrapping His Presence,” “Changing My Mind,” and his acclaimed series, “Pause,” “Pause With Jesus,” “Pause for Moms” and “Pause for Pastors.”

Now that I have made the decision to pursue my dream and work on “the book,” I am constantly looking for inspiration and advice.

I have been incredibly fortunate to get some great feedback from Chris Maxwell, an esteemed author in his own right, a publisher, other writers, friends and family.

The support means more than I can ever express.

Some of the comments I have heard, from people I trust, is I need to write on a regular basis and not just for the book. The blog is that outlet and I am going to utilize this platform more for expression and writing opportunities.

One of those opportunities includes the “Life’s Playlist” posts. I enjoy choosing songs that are speaking to me and making an impact in my life, but have never shared why I post the songs I choose.

I hope to begin sharing those reasons as an opportunity to write… hence the post on “We Are the World” and today’s Life’s Playlist song by The Beatles, “Paperback Writer.”

Recently, I heard about Jeff Goins, an author, blogger and writer who shares his expertise with others. I believe you should learn from experts and I am open to learning anything I can to make me a better writer and share my voice with others

Today, Amazon delivered these two books. I plan on digesting every word inside the pages, in hopes of my own paperback, hardback or e-book someday seeing the light of day!

When “We Are the World” was released in the Spring of 1985, I was a junior at Georgia Southern College. (Now Georgia Southern University)

There had never been anything like “We Are the Wold” and to date nothing has ever replicated it.

Recorded by many of the music industries top artists, the song was recorded with the entire chorus in-studio together just after the American Music Awards. During the months leading up to “We Are the World” the continent of Africa had been decimated by drought and thousands of people had died.

As a result the fund-raising effort “USA FOR AFRICA” was formed.

This was the first world-wide call to action, in support of a cause like the ones we see so frequently today. All monies raised by record and cassette sales (yes, you had to go to a store and BUY music back in the dark-aged 80’s) went directly to the relief efforts.

The song played constantly on the radio and I remember laying by the pool, at the apartment complex I lived in, and each time it would air, 40, 50 and sometimes more of us would break into song.

Those were great days, when I hear this song I think back on great friendships and fun days in the sun singing for a cause.